Summer
time of year
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Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, Herbron, NH. Sculptured Rocks Natural Area (272 acres), hosts a unique example of nature’s artistry. Grains of sand suspended in the river current carved curious shapes and potholes into the bedrock, creating a stunning narrow canyon. This might just be one of the best swimming holes I’ve ever ever encountered.
https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/sculptured-rocks-natural-area/
8.3
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Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln, NH. We stopped to see the tram. It’s $28/person to go up and we aren’t really in the mood for it.
The Basin Cascades Trail. The great American naturalist, Henry David Thoreau, on his first trip to the White Mountains in September of 1839 stood at “The Basin” and watched the water whirlpool around this granite bowl. He would later write in his Journal, “this pothole is perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.” I can only imagine how much more impressive it must have been without the well worn trail and fencing around it.
The Flume (2.2 mile loop , 482’ elevation) $21/person. Expensive but Chris hasn’t been here since he was a kid and I have never seen it so we decided to go. The Flume is a natural gorge sculpted by water extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls rise to 70’to 90’ and are 12’ to 20’ apart. The highlight of the trail is a section where the walkway is built into the walls over the water.
https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/franconia-notch-state-park
8
difficulty: 3
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We took the Kancamagus Scenic Byway from Lincoln to Conway. 34.5 miles through the White Mountains with pull offs for views, hiking and some pretty incredible places to swim in the river beside it.
7.5
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Golden Gables Inn, North Conway, NH. It feels like a sort of a cross between a motor lodge and an old resort, except that everything is new and clean and nice. There’s a pool with a grill is the center green, surrounded by pretty plants and bushes. My only small complaint is there’s no coffee maker in the room. I forgot to take pictures but they have an excellent website so please check them out there.
Price: $121/night
8
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